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MIAMI, Fla. – On the latest episode of the HeatWave Podcast, part of the Roundtable Sports Network, Miami Heat beat writer Anthony Aguirre ranked the current landscape of the Eastern Conference. Of course, it’s subject to change, especially with LeBron James still available in the unrestricted free agency market.
Until then, this is how the East shapes out in Aguirre’s eyes.
In the “Not worried” category:
- Chicago Bulls
- Indiana Pacers
- Milwaukee Bucks
These are teams Aguirre views as being in the lottery for the 2027 NBA Draft. He noted the Pacers’ weakness at the center position and Tyrese Haliburton’s likely slow start – returning from an Achilles tendon injury. The Bulls and Bucks are younger teams in the rebuilding process.
The next category is “Make things interesting:”
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Washington Wizards
- Brooklyn Nets
Aguirre highlighted the Hornets and Wizards’ trades early into free agency. Also, he credited the Nets for adding veterans to a young roster. In the Hawks’ case, Aguirre sees a roster full of good players but no star to lead the charge. He thought Jaylen Brown would’ve been an excellent fit before getting shipped.
In the following category – Dark horses:
- Boston Celtics
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Orlando Magic
- Toronto Raptors
The Celtics fall on the list following the Brown blockbuster trade – receiving Paul George and draft capital in return. It’s not a fair deal for a franchise chasing its 19th championship. The Cavaliers are still in the hunt, but the consistent playoff struggles are concerning. The Magic flatlined when facing expectations last season, but the lack of Franz Wagner’s availability proved too big to overcome. Aguirre isn’t entirely sold on the Raptors, but they have a legitimate chance to improve following the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Final category – contenders:
- New York Knicks
- Detroit Pistons
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
As the saying goes, “To be the best, you have to beat the best.” The Knicks are reigning champions, so the Eastern Conference runs through the Big Apple. Aguirre labeled the Sixers as the winners of free agency. Surrounding former MVP Joel Embiid with significant talent – Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe – should help to preserve him for the playoffs.
Although free agency is still relatively early, the Eastern Conference could be more competitive than the West. Given all the star power that’s moved around, it will be interesting to see how James decides, as he will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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Until then, this is how the East shapes out in Aguirre’s eyes.
In the “Not worried” category:
- Chicago Bulls
- Indiana Pacers
- Milwaukee Bucks
These are teams Aguirre views as being in the lottery for the 2027 NBA Draft. He noted the Pacers’ weakness at the center position and Tyrese Haliburton’s likely slow start – returning from an Achilles tendon injury. The Bulls and Bucks are younger teams in the rebuilding process.
The next category is “Make things interesting:”
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Washington Wizards
- Brooklyn Nets
Aguirre highlighted the Hornets and Wizards’ trades early into free agency. Also, he credited the Nets for adding veterans to a young roster. In the Hawks’ case, Aguirre sees a roster full of good players but no star to lead the charge. He thought Jaylen Brown would’ve been an excellent fit before getting shipped.
In the following category – Dark horses:
- Boston Celtics
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Orlando Magic
- Toronto Raptors
The Celtics fall on the list following the Brown blockbuster trade – receiving Paul George and draft capital in return. It’s not a fair deal for a franchise chasing its 19th championship. The Cavaliers are still in the hunt, but the consistent playoff struggles are concerning. The Magic flatlined when facing expectations last season, but the lack of Franz Wagner’s availability proved too big to overcome. Aguirre isn’t entirely sold on the Raptors, but they have a legitimate chance to improve following the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Final category – contenders:
- New York Knicks
- Detroit Pistons
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
As the saying goes, “To be the best, you have to beat the best.” The Knicks are reigning champions, so the Eastern Conference runs through the Big Apple. Aguirre labeled the Sixers as the winners of free agency. Surrounding former MVP Joel Embiid with significant talent – Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe – should help to preserve him for the playoffs.
Although free agency is still relatively early, the Eastern Conference could be more competitive than the West. Given all the star power that’s moved around, it will be interesting to see how James decides, as he will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
Continue reading...
